"Found a nugget?" enquired Selwyn, glad of an opportunity of a respite.
"It's hollow, and it's been filled with water," continued Fortescue. "The thing, whatever it is, is still leaking. Chuck it aside, and let's get on with the job. We'll examine it later."
"What's all this jawing about?" asked the leading hand. "Chauvin' yer fat won't empty this 'ere bunker."
"I agree," rejoined Fortescue complaisantly. "But cast your optics on this, my festive shoveller."
"Ain't you seen a lump of coal afore?" demanded the man.
"Not like this one," said Fortescue. "Handle it."
The man took the proffered object; then, muttering an unintelligible ejaculation, simply bolted with it to the nearest ladder.
"Hallo, here's another find!" exclaimed Selwyn. "This yours, Malcolm?"
He held up a small pocket-book, black with coal dust.
"Not mine," replied Carr. "Must have belonged to one of those fellows we relieved."